Watercolor is one of the most rewarding — and most intimidating — mediums to start. A good paint set makes all the difference. Here's what to look for.
Pan or Tube Watercolors — Which Is Better?
Pan sets (like Caliart's portable palettes) are pre-dried and ready to use with just a wet brush, making them ideal for travel and quick sketching. Tube watercolors give you more control over consistency but require more setup.
How Many Colors Do You Need?
A 24 to 50-color set covers most beginner needs. Larger sets (100+) are great once you start noticing gaps in your palette, especially for skin tones, muted greens, and specific blues.
Why Does Portability Matter?
If you plan to paint outdoors or while traveling, look for a set with a built-in palette lid and a slot for your brush — it turns your paint set into a self-contained kit.
What Paper Should You Pair With Watercolor?
Watercolor paper (at least 140lb/300gsm) holds up to repeated washes without warping. Using regular paper is the most common beginner mistake. Paper conservators and manufacturers widely treat 140lb (300gsm) as the baseline weight for wet media, since lighter paper lacks the fiber density needed to absorb repeated washes without buckling.
How Do You Get Started?
Start simple: wet your brush, pick up pigment, and practice basic washes before moving on to layering and blending techniques.
Explore the CALIART Watercolor Paint Sets and find the palette that fits your creative journey.
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